eStout Laptops

UW-Stout assures that each eligible eStout student will always be assigned a laptop computer that is no more than two years old. Students may receive a year-old computer. Stout strives to use existing inventory in order to be fiscally and environmentally responsible. Year-old computers are in excellent condition and priority will be given to potential graduates to minimize the inconvenience of swapping for the laptop transfer program and ensuring they have support through Technology Help Desk for their laptop prior to graduation.

What type of laptop is available to me?

Most student receive an HP (Windows-based) laptop while some students receive an Apple laptop. The computer platform provided to students is determined by faculty and councils to meet the educational needs of the students. Currently Art (excluding Interior Design and Game Design), Art Education, Cross-Media Graphics Management, and Professional Communication and Emerging Media majors receive an Apple laptop. All other majors, as well as undecided and special students receive a PC. Students with double majors enrolled in both a major that is Windows-based and a major that Apple-based will be issued an Apple laptop.

Hardware Configurations

Currently as a pilot program, two-year-computers are offered at no additional charge to officially graduating students who meet specified criteria.

Current eStout Accessory Lists

HP

Apple

AC Power Adapter (block)

AC Power Cord (long cord)

AC Power Plug ("duckbill")

Mini Display Port to VGA video adapter (2014 and 2015 models only)

What software is available and how do I get it?

eStout students have access to a wide selection of up-to-date software. Some software is loaded on the laptop before it is deployed. Other software is available through the KeyServer which allows us to share software licenses and significantly reduce costs by placing the number of licensed copies of software packages in a central pool to be used from anywhere on the campus network or off-campus through VPN. There is no noticeable response time difference between keyed and non-keyed applications. Each keyed software package resides on the computer's local hard drive.

Imaging

Each fall the operating system and software for student laptops, known as the "image" is updated. See the next tab for the current and anticipated images. Every spring we develop the eStout image for the new student laptops. Faculty may use the Software Request for Student Laptop Image form to request a software title to be added to the eStout image. The criteria considered when determining what software is included on the eStout image is included in the form.

Please Remember

Use of Keyserved software does require the user to either be on-campus or connected via VPN.